The First Presidents: Farmers and Lawyers
As our family traveled through early American history, we encountered not only powerful leaders but also everyday men who were farmers, thinkers, and advocates for justice. Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Adams each left an indelible mark on our nation, bringing to life the ideal that a leader could be both close to the earth and a visionary for a country yet to be built.
Our first encounter was with John Adams, whose farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, gave us a sense of his quiet strength. A farmer at heart, Adams believed that the soul of a nation depended on the character of its people, rooted in self-sufficiency and hard work. Jack was puzzled to see a president’s home so modest, asking, “So he was a leader… but he didn’t have a mansion?” Dad explained that Adams saw himself as a “plain man,” devoted to the principles of democracy and the simple, honest work of a farm. For Adams, farming wasn’t just a job; it was an expression of his values.
In Virginia, we visited Mount Vernon, where Washington combined his military leadership with agricultural innovations, including his unique 16-sided barn. While Dad joked about his own “multi-tasking” as a parent, the kids were amazed to learn how Washington balanced his role as a general with his love for the land. Washington wasn’t just a leader on the battlefield; he was also committed to making American agriculture efficient and sustainable. Standing in the barn, Carolina, our five-year-old, was wide-eyed, asking, “Did he really build this just to help his crops?” Washington’s vision extended beyond leading armies; he wanted to build a self-reliant nation.
Then, at Monticello, Jefferson’s sprawling estate, the kids saw a different side of leadership. Jefferson was an inventor, a philosopher, and a lifelong learner. Adeline, fascinated by his endless shelves of books, asked questions about how Jefferson’s curiosity shaped his role as a president. Jefferson’s belief that knowledge strengthened democracy left a lasting impression on her. His inventive nature, from the clock to his polygraph, symbolized his conviction that innovation and education could fuel a free society.
Our final stop was Madison’s home, Montpelier. Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” Madison was a lawyer whose skillful mind brought structure to a young nation. At Montpelier, the kids learned how Madison’s vision of a balanced government protected citizens’ rights. Adeline echoed his vision, repeating “strong but fair.” Madison believed that a government should empower people while protecting their freedoms. Standing in his home, the kids began to understand the delicate balance Madison worked to achieve in building a fair government.
For these first presidents, leadership wasn’t about status or wealth. They were men deeply rooted in the land and in the belief that America could grow into something exceptional. Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison wore many hats—farmer, lawyer, inventor—and brought those skills together to shape the values that still guide us today. These men showed our kids that being a good leader isn’t about titles or luxuries; it’s about understanding the world through many lenses and staying true to one’s values.
From the humble farm of John Adams to the sprawling fields of Mount Vernon, the kids learned that true leadership often comes from a simple, steadfast dedication to the things that matter most.
